It is a pleasure to connect with you once again through the latest Perspectives magazine.

Our 2024 issue highlights the impact UMKC alumni are making in the world of athletics. On campus, across the country and around the world, Roos are playing, coaching, managing — and changing the game.

Built on a legacy of nearly a century, sports play a quintessential role at our university. Thousands of student-athletes have graduated from UMKC, and alumni from all areas of study have chosen careers in the sports industry. They pursued their passion and are pioneering innovation in all realms of professional athletics.

These players, coaches, executives, entrepreneurs and artists are all champions of the game. They are committed to making a difference on the field — and in their communities. Each alum featured in this magazine exemplifies this commitment, and we are thrilled to share their achievements and successes through these stories.

In this magazine, we highlight the extraordinary contributions our alumni are bringing to women’s soccer.

Award-winning alumni engineers were designers and construction managers of the new CPKC stadium. Home of the KC Current, this is the first women’s professional sports stadium in the world. UMKC graduates and staff are providing the latest medical care for women athletes, while others bring executive leadership expertise to the sport. Together, their work and vision are helping shape the future of women’s sports.

You will also hear from Brandon Martin, Ed.D., vice chancellor and director of athletics. In his op-ed, he discusses recent policies involving Name, Image and Likeness within college athletics — and the ways in which Roo athletes are taking advantage of these opportunities.

Amid these many shared wins and successes, our city and community recently experienced a tragedy that touched all of us. A celebration for our beloved Kansas City Chiefs turned into a day of horror when gun violence broke out just moments after the event outside of Union Station.

Our hearts go out to the victims of this senseless act and their loved ones. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders that day, including our clinical partners at University Health, Children’s Mercy and Saint Luke’s, many of whom are alumni, faculty or students of UMKC.

In the years I have worked here, I have come to love the goodness and kindness of people at this university and in our city. This incident does not define us. We will continue to offer our hearts to everyone in our community — a community that extends from Kansas City around the world. Together, we are Roo strong.

Kaity Woody (M.P.A. ’15) Assistant Vice Chancellor, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving